New FAM president to decide Harimau Malaya's fate

The upcoming leadership of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) faces a critical decision regarding the management of the national football team, Harimau Malaya. The newly elected president and executive committee, set to be chosen in September, will determine whether the team reverts to FAM's direct oversight.

Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin, the Honorary President of FAM, stated that the decision rests entirely with the incoming leadership. He acknowledged that the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), through its internal audit, had previously suggested bringing the national squad's management back under FAM's umbrella. "Yes, Datuk Seri Windsor (AFC General Secretary) also spoke about returning Harimau Malaya (to FAM)," Hamidin noted.

“

Yes, Datuk Seri Windsor (AFC General Secretary) also spoke about returning Harimau Malaya (to FAM).

Currently, the national team operates under a specialized unit established by FAM, led by CEO Rob Friend. This unit focuses on professional management, identifying heritage players, high-performance development, and expanding international networks. However, this structure has been scrutinized, especially following past incidents involving the alleged falsification of documents for seven heritage players. FIFA fined FAM approximately RM1.7 million and suspended the players after finding evidence of document manipulation related to their eligibility.

Hamidin clarified that all relevant documents concerning the national squad's management are indeed with the current structure, and the new leadership must deliberate on the best path forward. The AFC's recommendation and the lingering issues from the player documentation scandal add significant weight to the decision the new FAM leadership must make.

“

I want to make a slight correction, indeed all documents are under (the management of) the national squad, and we know about the CEO (Chief Executive Officer, Rob Friend) all there. I think this is one of the things that the new President and the new Exco need to decide on.